Prequel to my version of The Lord of The Rings trilogy

The Final Tally

The aftermath of Helm's Deep was grim. The sky was heavy with the smell of blood and smoke as men worked tirelessly to pile the corpses of Uruk-hai. Among them, Gimli sat on one of the massive dead Uruks, puffing on his pipe, watching the clean-up with his usual blend of indifference and humor.

Legolas strode towards his friend, lightly twirling an arrow between his fingers. "Final count: forty-two," Legolas said, his voice smooth and almost casual, as he stroked his bow.

Gimli squinted up at him, taking another long puff from his pipe. "Forty-two? That's not bad for a pointy-eared elvish princeling," Gimli replied, his voice full of gruff amusement. He glanced down at the Uruk beneath him and added, "I, myself, am sitting pretty on forty-three."

Legolas's eyes narrowed slightly, but his lips quirked into a small, mischievous smile. Without a word, he swiftly drew an arrow, nocked it, and released. The arrow flew straight between Gimli's legs and embedded itself into the twitching Uruk-hai beneath him.

"Forty-three," Legolas said with a slight smirk.

Gimli looked down in surprise, then frowned. "He was already dead."

Legolas raised an eyebrow. "He was twitching."

Gimli jabbed his thumb towards the Uruk. "He was twitching because he's got my axe embedded in his nervous system!" To emphasize his point, Gimli yanked his axe, causing the Uruk's limp body to spasm once more.

Before the friendly argument could escalate, a voice cut through the banter. "Legolas, you clearly cheated," said Liv, walking up with her Tyranitar, David, and his Metagross following close behind. Saya and Lily trailed after them, both looking slightly weary from the battle.

Legolas turned to face his sister, trying his best to appear innocent. "No, I didn't," he said, feigning offense.

Liv rolled her eyes but suddenly winced, her face paling. She put a hand to her stomach as nausea overwhelmed her. Without warning, she turned and bolted for the nearest bathroom.

Legolas's expression shifted instantly from playful to concerned. He followed after her, his long legs quickly catching up. He found Liv hunched over, gripping the edge of the sink, her face pale as she fought off another wave of nausea.

"Liv, are you alright?" he asked, gently pulling her hair back as she leaned over.

Liv took a few deep breaths before standing up straight. "Yeah, I'm fine. It's just... all the dead orcs, you know?"

Legolas narrowed his eyes, studying her closely. There was something in her tone that didn't quite sit right with him. "Liv, it's not just that, is it?" he said softly, his gaze turning more serious. "There's no point in trying to hide it. I know you're pregnant."

Liv's eyes widened in surprise, and she cursed under her breath. "Shit," she muttered.

Legolas crossed his arms over his chest, his posture tense. "You think I didn't notice you and David sneaking off together?" His voice was filled with brotherly protectiveness, tinged with frustration.

Liv sighed, rubbing the back of her neck. "I... I didn't want to say anything yet."

Legolas's eyes flashed with anger as the realization fully hit him. "Where's David?" he demanded, turning on his heel and striding down the hall. His voice was low but dangerous, the anger of an older brother brewing beneath the surface. "David, you got my sister pregnant?"

David, standing a few yards away with Metagross at his side, looked up just in time to see Legolas marching towards him, bow drawn and an arrow nocked, aiming straight at his chest.

Before things could escalate, Liv reacted quickly, weaving hand seals with a fluid grace. "Wind Style: Gale Palm!" she shouted. A gust of wind shot out from her hands, pushing Legolas back just enough to divert his aim.

"Legolas, stop!" Liv shouted, stepping between him and David. "It wasn't just David's fault—it was mine too! And you can't just threaten to kill my boyfriend because I'm pregnant!"

Legolas lowered his bow, though his expression remained stormy. "You're fifteen, Liv!" he said, his voice full of exasperation.

Liv's face hardened with resolve. "I've been pregnant before. I had Lily three years ago, remember?" she said, lifting Lily into her arms. The little girl clung to her mother, watching the argument unfold with wide, innocent eyes.

Legolas looked at Lily, then back at Liv, a mix of frustration and concern flashing across his face. "What about Mom and Dad? Do they know?" he asked, his voice softer this time, tinged with worry.

Liv shook her head. "I don't care what they think," she said firmly. "I'm not a child anymore, Legolas. You need to accept that."

The elven prince let out a deep sigh, the tension slowly leaving his shoulders. "I'm sorry, Liv," he said, the anger in his voice replaced with something softer—something almost regretful.

Liv's expression softened, but her voice remained firm. "This is why I cut off contact with you. You're too overprotective."

Legolas took a step closer, his eyes filled with genuine concern. "I just want to protect you," he said, his voice pleading.

Liv's expression softened even more, though she held her ground. "And I get that, and I love you for it. But I'm not the same kid I was when I was eleven." She turned away, her Tyranitar, David, and his Metagross following close behind. Saya trotted after them, keeping pace with Lily.

David walked beside Liv, his hand resting protectively on her stomach. "Don't let him get to you, babe," he murmured, glancing over his shoulder at Legolas. "But he's still your brother."

Liv sighed, covering his hand with hers. "I know," she replied softly.

As they walked, Lily looked up at her mother with wide, curious eyes. "Are you okay, Mommy?" she asked, her small voice filled with concern.

Liv smiled warmly at her daughter and gently stroked her hair. "I'm fine, sweetie. Your uncle can just be really overprotective sometimes," she explained, glancing back at Legolas, who stood watching them leave, a mix of sadness and protectiveness in his eyes.

David leaned down and kissed the top of Liv's head. "We need to focus on Lily and the baby," he said quietly.

Liv nodded. "I know," she whispered back, her hand resting over David's. They continued walking down the hall, leaving Legolas standing alone in the aftermath of the battle—both the one fought with the Uruks and the one fought within his own heart.